1 Dead, 12 Infected In Hampton Beach Legionnaires' Outbreak

HAMPTON BEACH, NH — A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Hampton Beach hotels has killed one person and infected 11 others, New Hampshire health officials announced Thursday. The deceased was identified as an elderly individual who died from pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly respiratory infection.

Officials said they traced the outbreak to hot tub spas at The Sands Resort and the Harris Sea Ranch Motel in the Ashworth Avenue area. The hot tub spas were closed and officials said they no longer present a risk to the public. Both hotels remained open Thursday.

The exposed individuals stayed in that area at the end of July or early August, officials estimated. Health officials said anyone who visited that area should watch out violent illnesses. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, nausea, shortness of breath and chest pain.

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The elderly, young and sick are at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease, which is usually not fatal in health individuals.

More cases are possible, officials said. The outbreak was first announced last week when four people were found to have contracted the disease.

Legionnaires’ disease can be spread to humans who are exposed to contaminated showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains, officials said.

The disease was first discovered in 1976 after an outbreak at a Pennsylvania convention of the American Legion — hence its name.

There were about 6,100 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the U.S. last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NH health officials provided information on the outbreak in an update:

“I visited Hampton, NH. What do I do?

If your visit was longer than 14 days ago, you are beyond the usual time it takes to develop disease. If your visit was within 14 days, your risk of disease is very low, but if you become ill, present your travel history and concerns to your primary care clinician and s/he can test. If your visit was within 14 days, and you are not ill, there is no evidence that you should be tested or take antibiotics.

I live in Hampton, NH. What do I do?

Although risk is low, DPHS recommends that people who are increased risk for severe disease from Legionella may choose to avoid the area of Ashworth Avenue between Island Path and H Street in Hampton, New Hampshire. People who are at increased risk include those who are older than 50, who have chronic respiratory disease, or who have a weakened immune system.

I have a trip planned to Hampton, NH. Should I cancel?

While the investigation is underway, in an abundance of caution, DPHS recommends that people who are increased risk for severe disease from Legionella may choose to avoid the area of Ashworth Avenue between Island Path and H Street in Hampton, New Hampshire. People who are at increased risk include those who are older than 50, who have chronic respiratory disease, or who have a weakened immune system.”

Hampton Legionnaires’ Outbreak Update August 2018

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